The abdominal area is in the middle part of the body and includes several organs. To make it easier for medical professionals to study about them, the area was divided into four abdominal quadrants.

The umbilicus or commonly known as the navel or belly button is the guide in separating the four areas of the abdominal area. Putting two imaginary lines intersecting the umbilicus vertically and horizontally will give four parts. These are the four abdominal quadrants. These are helpful to medical students in studying about the organs in the abdominal area. But even if you’re not a medical student or a medical professional, you can still find it useful to familiarize yourself on these four parts of the abdominal area and their organs. If you experience any pain on those areas, it will be easier for you track where the pain is coming from and explain it your doctor. This is crucial in knowing the source and cause of the pain.

The four abdominal quadrants are the Left Upper Quadrant or LUQ, Right Upper Quadrant or RUQ, Left Lower Quadrant or LLQ and Right Lower Quadrant or RLQ. If you’re able to tell your doctor immediately if the pain is from any of these areas, the diagnosis will be faster therefore you will be treated quickly too. Most of the pains felt in the abdomen area usually minor and may go away with simple relaxation or pain reliever. Some may even be caused by bloating or bowel problems. If you feel any pain but it goes away after a while, then you don’t have to worry much since it’s more often than not, minor pain. However, if pain doesn’t go away or it becomes intense, then this may be caused by a more serious problem.

If you feel severe pain on any of the four abdominal quadrants, it’s best to get immediate medical attention to know the exact cause and be treated.